ORG proposes Andy Burnham embarks on a digital reset

Andy Burnham's likely succession to lead the current Labour government presents an opportunity to reset digital policy. In a blog article, the Open Rights Group (org) offered advice on potential changes it believes would benefit the UK economy, democracy, and public finances.

ORG's primary recommendation focuses on pursuing digital sovereignty and developing the domestic tech sector by moving to open-source state infrastructure, mirroring approaches across the EU. ORG argues that the government should exit contracts with companies like Palantir as quickly as possible. The approach is supported by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which saved millions of pounds annually by replacing a supplier contract with an in-house open-source system in September 2025. In addition, ORG suggests giving the NHS the capacity to move away from its £330 million Federated Data Platform (FDP) contract in order to develop independent regional federated systems, as has been successfully achieved in Manchester.

ORG also calls for reforming the UK's regulatory bodies, criticising the stance taken by Starmer's government of restraining the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to attract foreign investment. The ORG also calls for the introduction of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), warning that a lack of safeguards in policing, welfare, and borders risks human rights violations and real harm to individuals.

ORG's arguments are supported by a recent survey conducted by the Swiss-based software developer, Proton, highlighting the increasing reluctance to rely on US technology on this side of the Atlantic. The survey of 3,000 individuals across the UK, France, and Germany found that privacy concerns and a perceived lack of control drive this shift, with 45% of respondents likely to avoid products and services that store data with US firms, particularly regarding social media, email, and messaging apps. Furthermore, 65% agree that people in Europe should rely more on domestic tech, while 66% believe SMEs should prioritise European alternatives. Over the past year, 56% of those surveyed felt this transition has grown in importance due to rising geopolitical tensions. 

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